In Action
NFL Network, Verizon FiOS and the New England Patriots bring Keep Gym in School to Massachusetts
Pickering Middle School
Lynn, Massachusetts
New England was the latest stop for the 2009 Keep Gym in School program, bringing excitement and $50,000 in grant money to Pickering Middle School. With partners the New England Patriots and Verizon FiOS TV, NFL Network celebrated the adoption and refurbishments in Lynn, MA with a high-energy pep rally and minicamp. The grant money provided funding to convert a run-down locker room into a state-of-the-art fitness room with new cardio and weight training equipment. The grant was also used to provide additional Physical Education equipment and inspired the City of Lynn to provide funds to renovate the gymnasium including refinishing the gym floor. With the improvements, more students will have more access to better facilities and more physical activity classes – including a dedicated weight training and exercise class to educate students on proper technique.
NFL Network Analyst Scott Hanson and New England Patriots Kicker Stephen Gostkowski were amazing hosts for the pep rally and minicamp which also featured dignitaries including Verizon New England Vice President of Marketing Peter Bowman, Lynn School's Superintendent Dr. Catharine Latham, State Senator Thomas McGhee, and Lynn Mayor Chip Clancy.
Though the rain kept the students inside, it didn't stop the excitement as the gymnasium transformed from the pep rally into a modified minicamp, complete with fitness and football stations. Stephen led students in a full stretch before rotating through the five stations. All of the students enjoyed their afternoon of physical activity and are hoping they will be the most improved student from their district and attend the honors event at the 2010 NFL Draft in NYC.
Verizon FiOS TV, The New England Patriots and Stephen Gostkowski were happy to join with NFL Network's Keep Gym in School program to get students excited about a lifetime of fitness.
Congratulations Pickering!
Make Your Voice Heard
It is imperative that our kids take part in regular physical activity and learn to live healthier lifestyles, in order to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease, certain types of cancer, and type 2 diabetes.
The Fitness Integrated with Teaching Kids Act (FIT Kids Act) would amend the No Child Left Behind Act to encourage schools to provide regular, quality physical education and promote healthy lifestyles. Tell Congress that we consider the health of our children a priority – send your message today!
